Irishman David Higgins carded a first round five under par 66 to lead the Titleist PGA Play-Offs in Turkey.

Fresh from earning a European Tour card for next season at the 2012 Qualifying School Final Stage last month, the 40 year old is firmly in the hunt for further starts in some of The Race to Dubai’s most lucrative events which a win at Antalya Golf Club's PGA Sultan Course will guarantee.

Among the prizes at stake include entry to the BMW PGA Championship plus a place for the top three in the Great Britain & Ireland PGA Cup team to play the United States next year.

The Waterville Links man leads by one from defending champion Richard Wallis, who beat Higgins into second place last year.

With thunderstorms wiping out the first day's play on Monday, the 24-strong field reconvened on Tuesday in glorious sunshine as they prepare to complete 72 holes in three days.

"I played solidly, didn't really miss many shots and putted nicely and if you do that you usually have a good score," said Higgins.

"Getting my Tour card has taken a lot of pressure off. It doesn't make this week easier as I'm trying my hardest to win, but having been through what I did at the Qualifying School the pressure here is not quite as intense.

"It would mean a lot to me to win the PGA Play-Offs. These are the best PGA players in Britain and Ireland and it would be a great achievement so I will be giving it everything I've got."